The ebb of the pink tide: the decline of the left in Latin America

"Following the election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, governments in many Latin American countries were radicalised as they became populated with former activists and trade union leaders. Yet in the last few years, Latin America's left have suffered many setbacks and reactionary challenges, which has led many to wonder if the 'pink tide' is on the wane. Mike Gonzalez argues that whilst left-wing developments have been widely celebrated, less has been written to address the problems that have arisen. Through examination of the successes and failings of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela, Gonzalez is able to identify weaknesses and strengths and suggest possible future pathways for the left in nations across Latin America. This refreshing analysis examines whether Chávez's vision of twenty-first century socialism may ever be realised"--Print version, page 4 of cover